Australia showcased their dominance in day-night Tests once again, securing a resounding 10-wicket victory over India in the second Test of the five-match series. The win came within just two-and-a-half days, leveling the series 1-1. The game also marked the shortest-ever Test match between the two cricketing giants in terms of balls bowled, highlighting the one-sided nature of the contest.

India’s Batting Collapse

India’s struggles with the bat were glaring throughout the match, with the team lasting a combined total of 81 overs across both innings—less than a single day of Test cricket. Starting day three at 128 for 5, India’s hopes for a miracle rested on their lower order. However, despite a spirited 42 from Nitish Kumar Reddy, the team folded for just 175 in their second innings.

The target of 19 runs was merely a formality for Australia, achieved in just 3.2 overs without losing a wicket.

The Aussie Pace Trio Shines

Australia’s fast bowlers were the stars of the show, with skipper Pat Cummins leading the charge. His lethal short-ball strategy earned him figures of 5 for 57, making life difficult for the Indian batters. Cummins was ably supported by Scott Boland (3/51) and Mitchell Starc (2/60), the latter extending his legacy as the undisputed king of Pink-ball Tests with 74 wickets in the format.

Such was the dominance of the Australian pacers that neither all-rounder Mitchell Marsh nor spinner Nathan Lyon was needed for more than five overs across the match.

India’s Senior Players Under Fire

India’s veteran players, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, failed to make an impact, looking well past their best in the face of relentless Australian bowling. While Jasprit Bumrah toiled hard with the ball, he lacked a consistent partner to back him up, leaving the Indian attack underpowered.

Rishabh Pant briefly resisted but fell to a trademark Starc delivery, edging to Steve Smith at second slip for 28. Lower-order batters like Harshit Rana and Ravichandran Ashwin also succumbed to Cummins’ short-ball tactics.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Lone Bright Spot

One silver lining for India was the gritty performance of young Nitish Kumar Reddy. Despite not crossing the fifty-mark yet, Reddy has shown immense promise with scores of 41, 37*, 42, and 42 in his first two Tests. His positive attitude and ability to defy world-class bowling attacks hint at a bright future for the young batter.

Additionally, Reddy’s useful seam bowling could become a valuable asset for the Indian team as he gains experience and hones his skills.

Australia’s Commanding Record in Pink-Ball Tests

This win further solidifies Australia’s dominance in Pink-ball cricket. Their record in day-night Tests remains impeccable, with their bowling attack, led by Starc and Cummins, proving too hot to handle under lights.

India, on the other hand, will have to go back to the drawing board to address their batting woes and find a way to counter the extra movement of the Pink Kookaburra.

What Lies Ahead

With the series now tied at 1-1, the focus shifts to the third Test, where India will aim to regroup and bounce back. The performance of the senior players will be under scrutiny, and changes in the lineup could be on the horizon.

Australia, buoyed by their clinical performance, will look to carry their momentum forward and take control of the series.

Cricket fans can expect plenty of drama and high-stakes action as the two teams resume their fierce rivalry in the next Test.